From Boxing Day to Yule, the month of December includes several cultural and religious holidays from around the world.
Forgotten or Lesser-Known Holidays December traditions often trace back to ancient celebrations like Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival that inspired many Christian customs.
Explore December holidays and observances, from national days to awareness and seasonal celebrations. Browse by date and see what to celebrate.
December ushers in winter holidays such as Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukah. ... National Days like Ugly Sweater Day, Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day, and National Ding-A-Ling Day add a bit of whimsey flair to add to those cold, snowy days.
Download your free printable December 2026 calendar. Multiple formats including US holidays. Get organized today.
Meteor showers occurring in December are the Andromedids (September 24 – December 6, peaking around November 9), the Canis-Minorids (December 4 – December 15, peaking around December 10–11), the Coma Berenicids (December 12 to December 23, peaking around December 16), the Delta Cancrids (December 14 to February 14, the main shower from ...
The December solstice on December 21 or 22 is also known as the winter solstice. It is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the beginning of the (astronomical) winter season there.
December, twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. Its name is derived from decem, Latin for “ten,” indicating its position in the early Roman